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Insurance Challenges in Rideshare Accident Cases

If you’re facing insurance challenges after a rideshare accident, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks can help you navigate the claims process and secure the compensation you deserve. Call (801) 500-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

After a fun night out in West Jordan, you expect a rideshare to get you home safely, but sometimes, accidents happen. A sudden crash can leave you shaken, injured, and facing unexpected medical bills and missed work. Then comes the complicated part, figuring out which insurance policy is responsible for covering your costs.

Rideshare insurance can be very confusing. The driver’s personal insurance might not cover commercial trips, while the rideshare company’s coverage depends on whether the app was on, off, or the ride was in progress. Passengers often find themselves stuck in the middle, unsure of how to get the compensation they need.

The good news is that there are ways to handle these challenges. Understanding how rideshare insurance works and taking the right steps can help you recover costs for medical treatment, lost wages, and emotional distress. If you need legal help in West Jordan, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks is here to assist you. With a strong track record of successful cases, including multimillion-dollar settlements, we’re ready to guide you through the process and fight for the support you deserve.

How Rideshare Insurance Works for Drivers & Passengers

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically break down their insurance coverage into “periods” or “phases.” Understanding these phases is critical for both drivers and passengers in West Jordan. Here’s the breakdown:

Period 0: The Driver is Offline

When the driver is not using the rideshare app, only their personal car insurance applies. The rideshare company’s insurance does not cover anything. If the driver gets into an accident, their personal policy is responsible for any claims.

Period 1: The Driver is Online but Hasn’t Accepted a Ride

Once the driver logs into the app but hasn’t picked up a passenger yet, some rideshare companies provide limited coverage. This only covers damage to other people or their property if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the accident. However, it does not pay for the driver’s own injuries or car repairs.

Period 2: The Driver is On the Way to Pick Up a Passenger

When the driver accepts a ride and is heading to pick up the passenger, the rideshare company usually provides more coverage. This includes higher limits to cover damages and injuries. However, insurance companies may argue about when exactly the accident happened, which can create problems when filing a claim.

Period 3: The Passenger is in the Car

Once the passenger is inside the rideshare vehicle, this is the most protected phase. The rideshare company provides the highest level of coverage, including:

  • Liability for injuries (if the driver is at fault)
  • Property damage (if the driver hits something)
  • Protection if the other driver has no insurance

If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and get into an accident, it’s important to know the driver’s status in the app. This helps determine which insurance applies and ensures you get the compensation you deserve.

Common Insurance Disputes in Rideshare Accidents

Accidents can lead to confusing insurance problems, making it hard for drivers and passengers to get the coverage they need. Here are some common issues that can come up:

Confusion About the Driver’s Status

Insurance companies often argue over what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. If the driver had just accepted a ride seconds before the accident, it may not be clear whether their personal insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance should pay for damages.

Gaps in Coverage

Many personal car insurance policies do not cover commercial driving at all. If a driver is not logged into the rideshare app at the time of the crash, they might not be covered. Even if they are, the rideshare company’s insurance may not be enough to pay for all damages.

Accidents with Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

If another driver causes the accident but doesn’t have enough insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance might cover the costs. However, these insurance companies sometimes deny claims, saying their policy does not apply in that situation.

Problems with Passenger Injury Claims

Passengers may struggle to get compensation if the insurance company questions their injuries. If a passenger already had a health condition before the crash, the insurer may refuse to pay, saying the accident didn’t cause the injury. Insurance companies often ask for a lot of medical records before they agree to cover medical bills.

Disputes About Who Is at Fault

If the crash involves more than one vehicle, insurance companies might blame different drivers. This can make it harder for rideshare drivers to prove they weren’t responsible. If multiple people say the rideshare driver was at fault, it could lead to claim denials or lower payouts.

How These Issues Affect Victims

These insurance disputes can cause long delays in getting payments or reduce the amount of money victims receive. This can make a stressful situation even harder to deal with.

If you are in a rideshare accident, getting legal help can make it easier to understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

Strategies for Maximizing Compensation in a Rideshare Claim

Getting the money you deserve after a rideshare accident takes good planning and strong evidence. Here are some important steps you should take after being injured.

Take Pictures and Gather Evidence

Evidence is very important. If you can, take photos or videos of the accident scene, your car’s damage, and any injuries you have. Try to get contact information from any witnesses. Even small details, like the ride’s start time or a screenshot of the driver’s profile in the rideshare app, can help prove which insurance company should pay for your damages.

See a Doctor Right Away

Getting medical help as soon as possible is important for your health and your claim. Seeing a doctor right away creates proof that your injuries were caused by the accident. If you wait too long or skip doctor visits, the insurance company might say that you aren’t really hurt.

Know How Rideshare Insurance Works

Rideshare companies have different insurance rules depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. The insurance coverage can change based on whether the driver was waiting for a ride, driving to pick someone up, or carrying a passenger. Understanding these differences helps you know which insurance company should pay. In West Jordan, local laws and busy roads can also affect who is responsible for the accident.

Contact All Insurance Companies

Make sure to file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance and your own auto or health insurance if needed. If the rideshare driver has a separate insurance policy, that company might also have to pay. Forgetting to contact the right insurance companies could mean you miss out on money for medical bills and repairs.

Stay Organized and Be Patient

Keep all important documents in one place, like claim numbers, insurance company contacts, and medical bills. Insurance companies don’t always pay quickly, and they might try to offer less money than you deserve. If you stay patient and keep good records, you have a better chance of getting a fair payment.

Consider Legal Representation

Having a skilled West Jordan Rideshare Accident Lawyer increases your bargaining power. A local lawyer familiar with West Jordan’s courts and legal landscape can gather evidence, handle negotiations, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Our Firm Helps Clients with Complex Rideshare Accident Insurance Claims

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we know that dealing with insurance companies after a rideshare accident can be confusing and frustrating. Our team is experienced and truly cares about each client’s situation. Here’s how we can help:

Explaining Insurance Coverage Clearly

We start by explaining how rideshare insurance works with personal auto insurance. Insurance can be tricky, especially because coverage changes depending on whether the driver is waiting for a ride, on the way to pick someone up, or carrying a passenger. Our lawyers have worked on many rideshare cases, so we know where problems usually come up and how to handle them.

Investigating the Accident

We gather important evidence, like police reports, medical records, and witness statements. If needed, we work with accident experts to understand exactly what happened. This helps us build a strong case and make sure no important detail is missed.

Fighting for a Fair Settlement

Insurance companies often try to pay less than they should or even deny claims completely. We fight back by showing clear evidence of who was at fault and how much the accident has cost you physically, emotionally, and financially. Our team has won million-dollar settlements for serious injury cases, which lets you know we are determined to fight for our clients.

Creating a Plan That Fits Your Case

Every rideshare accident is different. Some involve disputes over when the driver was using the rideshare app, while others might involve multiple drivers who caused the crash. We create a legal strategy that fits your situation, whether you were a passenger, a rideshare driver, or another motorist.

Taking Your Case to Court if Necessary

Most cases settle outside of court, but if the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount, we are ready to go to trial. Our law firm has been helping people in West Jordan and across Utah for decades, so we understand local court rules and what to expect.

Contact a West Jordan Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If a rideshare accident in West Jordan has left you hurt and battling insurance hurdles, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks is here to help. Our team understands the emotional and financial strain you’re under, especially when insurers question coverage or try to downplay your injuries. We’re ready to stand by you at every turn, from negotiating with adjusters to, if necessary, representing you in court.

Call us today at (801) 500-4000 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, explain your legal options clearly, and outline a tailored plan to pursue the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re a rideshare passenger, a driver, or another party involved in the accident, let our experience and dedication work in your favor. Don’t let insurance complications stand between you and the support you need, reach out to Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks for the guidance you can trust.

Call today for a free consultion!

What Type of Vehicles WERE INVOLVED?

Accidents involving different types of vehicles are handled differently. For example, an accident involving a UTA bus may be much more complex than a single-car accident.

At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, we can help with any type of motor vehicle accident, including:

Bicycle

Bicycle Accidents

Motorcycle

Motorcycle Accidents

Boat

Boating Accidents

RV or Camper

Recreational Vehicle Accidents

Bus

Bus and Mass Transit Accidents

Pedestrian

Pedestrian Accidents

Car

Automobile Accidents

ATV or UTV

ATV or UTV Rollovers

Commercial Vehicle

Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Semi Truck

Semi Truck and Trailer Accidents

OUR HEROES

“When there has been a serious auto accident and all you can do is concentrate on getting your critically injured family member well again, you need someone who will have your back. That someone is Mark Flickinger. He is qualified, capable, confident and will fight for your best interests. His staff are supreme and articulate. Together they made our lives good again and will always be our heroes.”
– Karen S.